Cody Gakpo has reportedly chosen Manchester City, and after the arrival of Bradley Barcola, the Dutchman could now be heading for a stunning Anfield exit.
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Cody Gakpo agrees to personal terms with Manchester City as Liverpool exit talks now acclerate.
Gakpo Chooses Manchester City
Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool career appears to be approaching its final chapter, with the Dutch international reportedly choosing Manchester City as his preferred destination after being presented with three very different paths for his future.
According to David Ornstein, the 27-year-old has decided he wants to join City, with the two clubs now working towards an agreement.
Gakpo had the option of remaining at Anfield or moving to Tottenham Hotspur, but Manchester has emerged as his preferred destination as the transfer window enters its final days.
Pre Season Friendly - Liverpool v Como - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 16, 2026 Liverpool's Cody Gakpo scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffDramatic Shift
The development represents a dramatic shift from earlier this week. Liverpool had maintained that Gakpo was not for sale, while City had yet to open club-to-club negotiations.
The deal now appears to be accelerating rapidly. Fabrizio Romano reports that Gakpo has agreed personal terms with Manchester City, with the two clubs now in contact to negotiate a transfer fee.
Liverpool are understood to be prepared to sanction the Dutchman’s departure, but only once another winger has been secured to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s attacking options.
That represents a significant development from earlier in the day, when Gakpo’s future was due to be decided in post-match meetings.
Liverpool are believed to value Gakpo at around £80-85million, meaning City will still have to meet a sizeable asking price before the move.
Liverpool v AS Monaco - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 9, 2026 Liverpool's Cody Gakpo reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffBarcola Arrival, Gakpo Exit
The Reds have now finalised an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain worth £106million plus £17m in potential add-ons for the French winger, who is due to undergo his medical before completing the move.
Barcola’s arrival inevitably creates a question over Gakpo. Both are at their most dangerous operating from the left, while Liverpool also have Rio Ngumoha and summer arrival Victor Muñoz competing for minutes.
Gakpo has hardly looked like a player whose head is elsewhere. He scored and was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Match in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle before registering an assist in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. He has one goal and one assist from his opening two Premier League appearances this season.
Key Meetings
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier that “key meetings” were planned after the Forest game, with City heavily involved and Tottenham having pursued Gakpo since July. Crucially, Romano added that Liverpool would only sanction a departure if they could secure another high-level attacking replacement.
That could explain Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. Ornstein has confirmed an enquiry has been made, while Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is another player Liverpool have pursued.
Liverpool are also in a powerful negotiating position. Gakpo is contracted until 2030, and The Times reports the Reds value him at around £85million.
For Gakpo, though, the decision now appears to have been made. If City can satisfy Liverpool’s demands, one of the most intriguing transfers of the summer could be completed before Tuesday’s deadline and Liverpool may be preparing for one final attacking move of their own.
